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Monday, August 6, 2018

HOTEL REVIEW: THE SANTAI UMALAS - LIFESTYLE RETREATS

Beautiful, relaxing
and private villas – The Santai in Bali was the perfect place to stay.

Located in Umalas, The
Santai is unique in its own way; with secluded pool villas, authentic Balinese
cuisine and warm welcomes from their staff, you instantly feel at home.

MY EXPERIENCE

We
arrived late that evening as our flight was delayed. The hotel had arranged a
driver to pick us up from the airport. Our driver was very nice and offered us
with refreshments during our drive. I was very excited for this next adventure
as Bali has been on my lists of places to visit for a long time!

We pulled up to the driveway; a complete wow-factor. The
Santai was absolutely stunning – from the beautifully designed lobby to the
high-end luxurious bedroom villas. We were all stunned and ready for our next
adventure.

Room:

We had the pleasure of
staying in their 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa – which offers a private pool and a separate kitchen/lounge room.
These villas were enormous! I absolutely loved the space and privacy – it really
felt like you just moved into your new home.

My friend and I shared
the master bedroom, while my other two friends stayed in the guest bedroom –
both equipped with an outdoor shower and bath; you really felt like you were in the jungle.

Our bathroom had a
nice, big bath – which I definitely took advantage of for pictures.

Hotel
Dining and Cocktails:

Gong
Restaurant

You can dine in at
their restaurant downstairs called GongRestaurant;
opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner – this delicious restaurant specializes
in South East Asian cuisine. Oh my god, can you say delicious?? Besides the W Bangkok’s international breakfast,
theirs was one of my favorites! Every breakfast you choose a start (which was a
mixture of fruits, salads, or soup), then your main dish, a drink and a
selection of morning boosters. See the full menu here.

They also offer all-day dining, which you can order at the restaurant or for room service.

The food was out of
this world, very fresh and flavorful dishes. I recommend you trying their
signature dish: Slow Braised and Grilled Pork spareribs, it was bomb!

Afternoon
Tea @ Gong Restaurant

Afternoon Tea is also
offered for those who have a sweet-tooth. Enjoy tea or coffee and a selection
of delicious sweet pastries and savories in the restaurant or poolside in your
villa – you pick.

Cocktails

Like every Asian city
and what I’ve noticed, happy hour is offered as a buy one – get one free deal,
which is great! At Gong Restaurant they offer guests a happy hour from 5 to 7
pm daily. Again, you can enjoy your cocktails at the restaurant or in your
villa.

Amenities:

Swimming
Pool

Each villa at The
Santai offers guests with a secluded pool. The pool is about 3 to 4 feet; and
is a good enough size for a couple and/or family.

Spa

While this resort does
not offer a spa location; they do offer massage packages. There was an amazing deal
going on during the time we were there, a buy one get one free deal – the
massage ladies came and set up in our villa. It was so relaxing and amazing!

Additional
Activities:

Want to enjoy some
activities while at The Santai? You can.

Cooking
Class

If you love Balinese
food and want to learn how to make it yourself; sign up for The Santai’s cooking class.
This is the best way to get a taste of all the incredible spices and blends of
Balinese dishes. Hosted by their local chefs; you become a guest sous chef for
the day. You start the morning off picking the best produce at the market,
discussing recipes and then finally prepping, cooking and of course eating.

The Santai also offers
guests with bikes (first come first basis), yoga classes, and other private
dining options.

The resort also offers
shuttle transportation per request and availability.

If
you are looking to stay at a private, high end and luxurious resort – The Santai
is where you should consider. From the very accommodating and warm staff to the
secluded villas and pools; I really felt right at home and I look forward to
coming back.